Green Burial Sites in the United
States

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What is a ‘green’ burial site?

There are currently approximately
93 registered green burial cemeteries and memorial woodlands in the United
States. These are recognized natural burial sites, although some
are hybrid cemeteries where both natural and traditional burials take place.
A green burial cemetery is also sometimes called an eco-cemetery.

As we explained in our articles
about ‘Green Funerals’ and ‘DIY Funeral Care’, a green burial is one in
which the way of caring for the deceased is as natural, and has as little
environmental impact, as possible. Therefore a green burial site
is typically a wildlife conservation area or natural woodland area.
Every effort is made to minimize the environmental impact of a burial by
reducing carbon emissions and ensuring no harmful substances or toxins
are buried in the earth.

At a green burial site, only
natural resources can be used

for burying the dead, such as
linen, bamboo, or wood, and no embalming is allowed. No ornate grave
markers are permitted. Instead a natural stone marker and GIS (Geographical
Information System) technology are often used to identify gravesite locations.
In some sites an endemic shrub or tree may even be planted onto the gravesite.

Can I conduct a green burial
on my own land?

In some states you may conduct
your own death care and even bury the deceased on your own land.
State legislation for this differs for each state, so you need to refer
to the law in your state. You can check our state funeral planning
guides in our library section, which do highlight in which states you are
permitted to conduct a home burial and have a designated private cemetery
on your own land.

How do I find a Green Burial
Site?

There are also designated green
burial sites, a directory of these are listed below by state.

New green burial sites are
also being designated as green burial experiences something of a revival,
so you may find that there are some new sites coming online.